Public Firearms Carriage and PublicOpinion, National Gun Policy Survey, 2023

By Cassandra K. Crifasi, Kelly E. W. Roskam, and Alex D. McCourt,

Objectives. To examine US public opinion on whether people should beallowed to carry firearms in “sensitive locations” (i.e., where firearmcarry is not allowed, even for those with valid concealed carrypermits). Methods. We used data from the 2023 National Gun PolicySurvey to understand attitudes on gun carrying in potentiallysensitive places. Respondents were asked to respond yes or no toallowing people to carry in various locations. We generated weightedproportions for prohibiting carry overall and by gun ownership amonggun owners and among those who affirmed feeling safer if more peoplecould legally carry guns. Results. More than 70% of respondents saidguns should not be carried at bars, sports stadiums, or protests orrallies. Among gun owners, there was broad support for prohibiting guncarrying in these locations, even among those who would feel safer ifmore people could legally carry guns. Conclusions. Prohibiting guncarrying where alcohol is served or where there is a greaterperception of conflict is broadly supported. Public Health Implications.These findings can inform evidence-based strategies to reducefirearm-related harm in sensitive public settings.

Am J Public Health. 2025;115(9):1472–1479.